Computer-readable medium product label apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A user-computer-readable medium provides all or part of a product labeling system for engaging purchasers. Executables, data, or both are recorded in the medium embodied in a tag or other product labeling structure, in order to deliver to a consumer or purchaser engaging presentations of products, information, or registration templates. As a result, purchasers may receive launchers, browsers, viewers, e-mail systems, facsimile centers, players, or interface brokers for the foregoing, if organically installed already on a workstation of a purchaser. Software may provide catalog presentations, user registration templates, communications, linkers, or engines, and the like. Operation modules and profile builders may provide information over ready links implemented by software on the medium. In certain embodiments, entertainment, games, skill tests, and the like, recorded in the medium as a tag or label may execute to engage a purchaser and provide purchaser profiling information, product purchasing information, and the like to a vendor, while providing additional product information, warranty registrations, applications, entertainment, or the like, to a purchaser.

RELATED INVENTIONS

[0001] This application is a Continuation-In-Part of patent applicationSer. No. 09/306,077, filed on May 6, 1999 and entitled CD ROM PRODUCTLABEL APPARATUS AND METHOD.

BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. The Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to product labeling and, moreparticularly, to novel systems and methods for providing electronicfeedback and user information by registration with vendors of products.

[0004] 2. The Background Art

[0005] Product registration is always a concern of manufacturers andvendors of products. Information concerning user purchases, attitudes,circumstances, and the like are matters of great interest. However, userregistration through warranty cards and the like meet with only limitedsuccess. Moreover, limited information is provided.

[0006] Likewise, brand loyalty is not necessarily detectible nor usefulto such vendors and manufacturers. An ability to obtain userregistration information for warranty and follow-up sales activity oftenlacks any great consumer or user motivation, Thus, not only informationis lacking by motivation, and any continuing link with a consumer oruser may be absent.

[0007] What is needed is a system and method for enabling acomparatively long term relationship to exist between a supplier,manufacturer, vendor of goods or services, and the consumer, purchaser,or user of same.

[0008] An advance in the art might provide additional services to aconsumer or user as well. For example, personal information such as shoesizes, clothing sizes, recreational goods, preferences in recreationalor business activities, and the like might be extremely valuableinformation for a user to maintain and catalog for future use. Also,such personal purchasing information might be invaluable to suppliers ofgoods and services. Moreover, it would be an advancement in the art toprovide a system and method for purchasers to maintain key informationregarding their own preferences and purchases as well as providing tousers historical information that they may reference in the future. Tothe extent that a consumer or purchaser desires to provide suchinformation to a vendor during a search for new or replacement goods orservices, having ready access to such information could be invaluable toboth a purchaser and a vendor.

[0009] Thus, it would be an advance in the art to provide an easyinteraction apparatus and method for identifying and recording productor purchasing information, personal preference information, and thelike, for ready provision of same to a purchaser and to a vendor uponrequest and authorization.

BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In view of the foregoing, it is a primary object of the presentinvention to provide a computer-readable medium product label providinga link back from a purchaser to a vendor. In certain embodiments, anapparatus and method in accordance with the invention may provideoperational data, executables, linking information, suitable software,templates, and the like for facilitating an exchange of informationbetween vendors and purchasers. For example, templates for collectingand delivering user information including warranty data, userpreferences and motivations, and the like may be integrated withwarranty reporting information, and other useful data in a deliverysystem built upon a computer-readable medium product label, such as ahang tag or any tag attached to a product. In certain embodiments,executables and operational data may be delivered to a user on acomputer-readable medium that alone, or in combination with otherpackaging materials, presents a panoply of multimedia presentations,games, entertainment, and information-collection applications.

[0011] For example, a product may be labeled with a tag that includes acomputer-readable medium of an ordinary or novel shape. The novel shapemay also be labeled with various slogans, messages, trade-marks, images,logos, or the like, provided by the vendor. Meanwhile, thecomputer-readable medium product label may contain multimedia catalogpresentations; products information regarding the exact product on whichthe tag was shipped from a manufacturer; a registration engine forregistering user information and product information simultaneously, aprofile builder for identifying additional user information that apurchaser is willing and interested in providing, such as preferences inentertainment, software, music, video, gaming, or the like; and otheruseful software.

[0012] Software available on a computer-readable medium product labelmay include a launcher, browser, viewer, e-mail, facsimile sender,player, or other executables as well as vendor data. Moreover, suchsoftware may be programmed to invite, entice, motivate, and facilitateproviding information by a user to be reported back to a vendor. Aconcierge or valet provides ready access to important informationrequired by a purchaser at the time or point of purchase. Software mayalso collect and provide to a user or a vendor, or both, upon requestand authorization, any amount of vendor or purchaser information deemeduseful.

[0013] The computer-readable medium product label, may be configured tobe attached to a variety of products including clothing, toys, footgear,machinery, headgear, foodstuffs furniture, appliances, sporting goods,dry goods, tools, and plants. The label may be configured to be attachedto the product or the product packaging. The label may be attached tothe product in a manner to protect the label from damage duringshipping. The product packaging may also serve to protect the label. Thelabel may be shipped separately from the product with its own packingand padding.

[0014] Consistent with the foregoing objects, and in accordance with theinvention as embodied and broadly described herein, a method andapparatus are disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention asincluding a computer-readable medium, apparatus, and a method fordelivering vendor-supplied information to a purchaser, while providingreporting facilitation software and purchaser-provided data as well asinternet linking from a purchaser back to a vendor an apparatus made inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention may include acomputer-readable medium, user interface data or a user interfaceexecutable, vendor catalog information, various input templates,multimedia presentations, applications such as tools, utilities, games,desk accessories, or the like.

[0015] Various data structures or databases for collecting ormaintaining output data or input data serviced by input executables oroutput executables may stand alone or may integrate with browsers,launchers, viewers, or other applications.

[0016] Such applications may be provided as executables on acomputer-readable medium product label, or may merely integrate orengage browsers, launchers, viewers, and applications “organic” to auser's computer. That is, executables may be provided on acomputer-readable medium product label or may merely be accessed by dataon a computer-readable medium product label.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The foregoing and other objects and features of the presentinvention will become more fully apparent from the following descriptionand appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typicalembodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be consideredlimiting of its scope, the invention will be described with additionalspecificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings inwhich:

[0018]FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of computers in a network andinternetwork that may implement the apparatus and method in accordancewith the invention;

[0019]FIG. 2 is one embodiment of a user computer, a server, and a basecomputer, typically owned, controlled, or accessed by a vendor, forcommunicating information in response to user or vendor requests;

[0020]FIG. 3 is schematic diagram of various alternative configurationsof CD-ROM hang-tags or product labels in accordance with the invention;

[0021]FIG. 4 is schematic diagram of the information sides of the CD-ROMhang-tags;

[0022]FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of various embodiments ofproduct labeling for presenting CD-ROMs of FIGS. 3-4 including sleeves,substrates, holders, keepers, labels, tethers, and the like, fordelivery of CD-ROMs to purchasers as part of product labeling;

[0023]FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of data structures forselected embodiments of a method and apparatus in accordance with theinvention, hosted on a computer of FIGS. 1-2;

[0024]FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of additional details that maybe incorporated in the memory of FIG. 6, or in addition thereto;

[0025]FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of an interaction schemeincluding software engines and data repositories for implementing anapparatus and method in accordance with certain embodiments of theinvention;

[0026]FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the data flows inan apparatus and method in accordance with the invention;

[0027]FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of various embodiments ofcomputer-readable media in product labels in accordance with theinvention;

[0028]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an example of a product withattached labels in accordance with the invention;

[0029]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another example of a product withattached labels in accordance with the invention;

[0030]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another example of a product withattached labels in accordance with the invention;

[0031]FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of various types of tethersand locations of attachment suitable for implementing the invention;

[0032]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an example of a product havingsoft packaging having labels attached in accordance with the invention;

[0033]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of and example of a product havinghard packaging having labels attached in accordance with the invention;

[0034]FIG. 17 is a perspective view and other example of a producthaving labels positioned partially inside the interior of a product;

[0035]FIG. 18 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a manufacturingprocess for labels in accordance with the invention;

[0036]FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a manufacturingprocess for blank labels in accordance with the invention; and

[0037]FIG. 20 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a process forselecting content for a computer-readable label.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] It will be readily understood that the components of the presentinvention, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein,could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of differentconfigurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of theembodiments of the system and method of the present invention, asrepresented in FIGS. 1 through 9, is not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of the presentlypreferred embodiments of the invention.

[0039] The presently preferred embodiments of the invention will be bestunderstood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts aredesignated by like numerals throughout. FIGS. 1-20 illustrate schematicdiagrams showing, in considerable detail, certain presently preferredembodiments of apparatus and methods in accordance with the invention.Those of ordinary skill in the art will, of course, appreciate thatvarious modifications to the detailed schematic diagrams may easily bemade without departing from the essential characteristics of theinvention, as described. Thus, the following description of the Figuresis intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certainpresently preferred embodiments of the invention as claimed herein.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 1, an apparatus 10 may implement theinvention on one or more nodes 11, (client 11, computer 11) containing aprocessor 12 or CPU 12. All components may exist in a single node 11 ormay exist in multiple nodes 11, 52 remote from one another. The CPU 12may be operably connected to a memory device 14. A memory device 14 mayinclude one or more devices such as a hard drive or non-volatile storagedevice 16, a read-only memory 18 (ROM) and a random access (and usuallyvolatile) memory 20 (RAM).

[0041] The apparatus 10 may include an input device 22 for receivinginputs from a user or another device. Similarly, an output device 24 maybe provided within the node 11, or accessible within the apparatus 10. Anetwork card 26 (interface card) or port 28 may be provided forconnecting to outside devices, such as the network 30.

[0042] Internally, a bus 32 may operably interconnect the processor 12,memory devices 14, input devices 22, output devices 24, network card 26and port 28. The bus 32 may be thought of as a data carrier. As such,the bus 32 may be embodied in numerous configurations. Wire, fiber opticline, wireless electromagnetic communications by visible light,infrared, and radio frequencies may likewise be implemented asappropriate for the bus 32 and the network 30.

[0043] Input devices 22 may include one or more physical embodiments.For example, a keyboard 34 may be used for interaction with the user, asmay a mouse 36. A touch screen 38, a telephone 39, or simply a telephoneline 39, may be used for communication with other devices, with a user,or the like. Similarly, a scanner 40 may be used to receive graphicalinputs which may or may not be translated to other character formats.The hard drive 41 or other memory device 41 may be used as an inputdevice whether resident within the node 11 or some other node 52 (e.g.,52 a, 52 b, etc.) on the network 30, or from another network 50.

[0044] Output devices 24 may likewise include one or more physicalhardware units. For example, in general, the port 28 may be used toaccept inputs and send outputs from the node 11. Nevertheless, a monitor42 may provide outputs to a user for feedback during a process, or forassisting two-way communication between the processor 12 and a user. Aprinter 44 or a hard drive 46 may be used for outputting information asoutput devices 24.

[0045] In general, a network 30 to which a node 11 connects may, inturn, be connected through a router 48 to another network 50. Ingeneral, two nodes 11, 52 may be on a network 30, adjoining networks 30,50, or may be separated by multiple routers 48 and multiple networks 50as individual nodes 11, 52 on an internetwork. The individual nodes 52(e.g. 11, 52, 54) may have various communication capabilities.

[0046] In certain embodiments, a minimum of logical capability may beavailable in any node 52. Note that any of the individual nodes 11, 52,54 may be referred to, as may all together, as a node 11 or a node 52.Each may contain a processor 12 with more or less of the othercomponents 14-44.

[0047] A network 30 may include one or more servers 54. Servers may beused to manage, store, communicate, transfer, access, update, and thelike, any practical number of files, databases, or the like for othernodes 52 on a network 30. Typically, a server 54 may be accessed by allnodes 11, 52 on a network 30. Nevertheless, other special functions,including communications, applications, directory services, and thelike, may be implemented by an individual server 54 or multiple servers54.

[0048] In general, a node 11 may need to communicate over a network 30with a server 54, a router 48, or nodes 52. Similarly, a node 11 mayneed to communicate over another network (50) in an internetworkconnection with some remote node 52. Likewise, individual components12-46 may need to communicate data with one another. A communicationlink may exist, in general, between any pair of devices.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 2, a CD-ROM tag 16 may include an aperture61 for aligning or engaging with a drive 62 for playing the CD-ROM 60. ADrive 62 in a user workstation 64 may provide linking information orexecutables facilitating interaction between the user workstation 64 anda server 66, such as a third party or vendor server, typicallymaintained by a service provided. For example, the server 66 may be ane-mail server a data service server, a web site server, or otheraccessible servers.

[0050] Meanwhile, a base computer 68 or simply base 68 is typicallymaintained by a vendor and may be a server, a web site server, acommunication server, or may simply be the computer system of a vendorinterested in interacting with either a third party server 66 a userworkstation 64, or both. In general, the workstation 64, the server 66,and the base 68 may be remote from one another geographically andconnected over some type of network 50. Thus, the input devices 22 andoutput devices 24 provide interaction by a user at a workstation 64 inorder to provide inputs and extract information in response to promptsfrom software hosted on the CD-ROM 60. Note that the CD-ROM 60 is notnecessarily circular in shape. The CD-ROM 60 need only be properlybalanced for spinning and having sufficient space circumscribed by acircle thereon to store the data tracks required for the amount ofinformation provided on the CD-ROM 60.

[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, a tray 70 may be provided as part ofa drive 62 or CD-ROM drive 62. In general, the tray 70, as illustratedin FIG. 3 reflects an upper portion 70 of a drive 62. Thus, the tray 70may have an alignment rim 71 for orienting the CD-ROM 60. An alignmentof a CD-ROM 60 facilitates proper engagement of the CD-ROM 60.Accordingly clearance cavity 72 may be provided to receive a spin orhead of a driver 62 for spinning the CD-ROM 60. Thus, the tray 70 may beregarded as part of a transport 74 or frame 74 for moving a CD-ROM 60into and out of the drive 62.

[0052] In general, a CD-ROM 60 may be of any suitable arbitrary, butsymmetrical shape. A tether 75 secured through a penetration 76 maysecure the CD-ROM tag 60 to a product. As a practical matter, thepenetration 76 may be distributed in a balanced fashion to prevent evensmall variation in the balance on a CD-ROM tag 60.

[0053] A vendor may choose to provide a product, brand, vendor, or othername 78 on a visible face 79 of a CD-ROM tag 60. In general, the name 78and other information provided on the visible face 79 of the CD-ROM tag60 represent vendor identification 80, in general. Other vendoridentification 80 may include slogans 82, which may themselves betrademarked or registered as trademarks. Messages 84 and other marks 86or trademarks 86 proprietary to a vendor for ready identification tousers (purchasers, consumers) while providing additional impressions onbehalf of a vendor.

[0054] Typically, logos 88 may be prominent on the visible face 79 of aCD-ROM tag 60. Likewise, various images 90 or symbols 90 related toeither the content of the CD-ROM tag 60, the product on which the CD-ROMtag 60 is affixed, or related to other aspects of the vendor providingthe CD-ROM tag 60 may be provided in any number of colors with suitablegraphic appeal.

[0055] In general, a shape 92 or an edge 92 may also provide an overallimpression of a CD-ROM tag 60. Any suitable shape that will still workwith a drive 62 may be suitable. In certain embodiments, a CD-ROM tag 60may have vertices 94 or corners 94. As a practical matter, a CD-ROM tag60 may be strictly circular or formed in a variety of shapes asillustrated in FIGS. 3-4.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 4, a chassis 96 of the drive 62 may mount anarbor 98 adapted to fit the aperture 61 in a CD-ROM tag 60. A drive 100may engage a CD-ROM tag 60 for rotation. A cavity 102 or clearance 102in the chassis 96 provides suitable clearance for rotation of the CD-ROMtag 60 about the arbor 98 through the aperture 61. The CD-ROM 60 mayinclude system tracks 104 containing information peculiar to theoperation of the workstation 64 or the drive 62. However, the data face105 may contain content tracks 106 in addition to the system tracks 104.The content tracks contain substantive data provided by a vendor andtargeted to a user. The content tracks 106 need only fit within theparticular shape 92 of a CD-ROM tag 60 and are thus typically placedwell away from any comers 94 in favor of a continuous central portion ofthe CD-ROM 60.

[0057] As a practical matter, the penetrations 76 may be provided withtethers 75 for connecting a CD-ROM 60 to various products. For example,in the clothing industry, various types of tethering mechanisms havebeen developed to facilitate automatic insertion of securementmechanisms with minimum labor and minimum cost. Nevertheless,alternative embodiments may operate independent of the tethers 75.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 5, a sleeve 110 or substrate 112 may mount orotherwise secure a CD-ROM tag 60 to a product. The sleeve 110 orsubstrate 112 may be secured directly to a package, or tethered theretoby a tether 75 as illustrated in FIGS. 3-5. In one embodiment, a backing114 may connect to a cover 116 having a seam 117 for securing or bonding117 the cover 116 to the backing 114. Thus, a CD-ROM 60 may be insertedbetween the cover 116 and backing 114 forming a sleeve 110 or envelope110. In other embodiments, a pedestal 120 or stub 120 may penetrate theaperture 61 to retain a CD-ROM tag. In certain embodiments, a foot 121of a pedestal 120 may secure the pedestal 120 to a substrate 112 orbacking 114. Similarly, some type of keeper 122 may serve to retain theCD-ROM tag 60 on the pedestal 120. In selected embodiments, fingers 123may provide both the pedestal and retention function. In otherembodiments, a detent 124 may provide securement or engagement of aCD-ROM tag 60 with a pedestal 120. Securing the CD-ROM 60 thereto.

[0059] In certain embodiments, a lock 126 may engage a catch 128 forsecuring a keeper 122 into or onto a pedestal 120. The orientation ofthe lock 126 and catch 128 as well as the peculiar mechanism forlatching them together may be a matter of virtually infinite mechanicalengagement techniques.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 6, various data structures may be hosted by aworkstation 64 before and after loading the CD-ROM tag 60. In certainselect embodiments of an apparatus and method in accordance with theinvention, the CD-ROM tag 60 may contain only files 130. The files 130may require applications 132 existing completely independently from theCD-ROM tag 60. As a practical matter, various browsers 146, launchers148, viewers 147, and the like exist in various distribution channels.Thus, the CD-ROM tag 60 may actually contain only non-executable datarequiring other executables (such as applications 132, browsers 146,viewers 147, and watchers 148, and utilities 138. etc.).

[0061] Referring to FIG. 6, files 130 may be installed in a memorydevice 14 of the apparatus 10 in accordance with the invention.Typically, the memory device 14 of FIG. 6 may be embodied as the RAM 20of the workstation 64 of a user. In general, the memory 14 may be loadedwith applications 132 of a user, independent of the CD-ROM tag 60.Likewise, an operating system 134 and files 136 associated with theoperating system 134 and application 132 reside in the memory 14.

[0062] Software 140 provided on the CD-ROM tag 60 may include specificexecutables that are simply run from the CD-ROM tag 60. Alternatively,software 144 may actually be installed from a CD-ROM tag 60 into amemory device 14 that has non-volatile storage capability, such as ahard drive 16. Thus, during execution, the memory device 14 is typicallythe RAM 20 of the workstation 64, whereas installation and storagetypically involves a hard drive 16 at a workstation 64.

[0063] In certain selected embodiments, software 144 may rely on abrowser 146 already installed previously and otherwise usable by a userof the workstation 64. Thus, the browser 146 may be thought of as“organic” to the workstation 64. That is, the browser 146 is previouslyinstalled for other functionality desired by a user. Similarly, a viewer147 may be an organic application 132 previously installed, but reliedupon by the software 140, 142, 144. Similarly, a launcher 148 or loader148 may operate in a workstation 64. Similarly, various utilities 138are typically installed on a workstation 64. Likewise, various files 136associated with the applications 132 are hosted thereon. Duringoperation of any particular application 132 the application 132 isloaded into RAM 20. Similarly, portions or complete files 136 may beloaded into RAM 20. Otherwise, applications 132 and corresponding files136 may be stored on a storage device 16 such as a hard drive.

[0064] In another embodiment, or additional improvement to previousembodiments, a user interface 150 may be an executable provided by theCD-ROM tag 60. The user interface may supplant, cooperate with, orsubstitute for the lack of, a browser 146 or other application 132, suchas a viewer 147.

[0065] A launcher 152 may provide an independent launching mechanismadapted to software 140 provided by the CD-ROM tag 60. Nevertheless, alauncher 152 may simply exist for the user or purchaser who does nothave a launcher 148 organic to their workstation 64.

[0066] One particularly valuable product provided by the CD-ROM tag maybe a catalog 154.

[0067] As a practical matter, the catalog 154 may actually be amultimedia presentation of product information. The catalog 154 mayinclude data, search engines, records, pricing information, visualpresentations, audio presentations, user information for sizing orselecting products and the like.

[0068] Another important feature that may be provided to a user is inputtemplates 156 for providing information to applications 160 provided.For example, a user may determine to select a rack for holding sportinggoods on top of an automobile. Alternatively, a user may select clothingsuch as hats, shoes etc. Accordingly, input templates 156 may provideuser information or request user information inputs which may be used todirect a user's search in a catalog 154 to those particular productsthat would be suitable for the user in view of the information providedby input templates 156. Currently, a user must navigate informationprovided by vendors and suppliers of products and services. By providingcertain input templates 156 the quantity of information could beautomatically filtered in order to provide to a user only thoseselections of information that need to be considered. The inputtemplates 156 may provide for storage and maintenance of user inputsover the mere section in which an application 160 or catalog 154 isexecuting, or may store the information for longer term usage. Incertain selected embodiments, the software 140 may actually provide a“concierge” or valet function by maintaining over a long period of timea collection of useful information. Thus, a user need not documentcatalog purchases, styles, sizes, or the like, but may instead have suchinformation maintained automatically as input by the user directly inresponse to input templates 156, or as a result of direct inputsprovided by a CD-ROM tag associated with a particular product purchasedby a user.

[0069] In certain embodiments, included with any catalog 154, orindependent therefrom, a multimedia presentation 158 may presentinformation to a user. The multimedia presentation 158 may be configuredas entertainment to engage a user. Alternatively, the presentation 158may be a portion of a catalog 154. In certain embodiments, themultimedia presentation 158 may take the form of qualification testing,or the like. Any presentation 158 that may engage a user, may alsocollect information, if desired. Thus, sophisticated profiling mayresult from responses of a user to a multimedia presentation 158.

[0070] In general, applications for any particular function desired by avendor may be provided as part of the software 140 of the CD-ROM tag 60.

[0071] Advertising specialties are typically engaging or useful productsthat bear the name, identifying information, location, and so forth of avendor. Thus, various utilities and tools that may have particularapplication to a user for managing computer systems, managinginformation, and the like may be provided as tools 162 or utilities 162in a software package 140. As a practical matter, the advertisingindustry is much larger than the software industry. Accordingly, avendor may well decide to provide various software tools 162 orutilities 162 at no charge, in order to provide more access ofimpressions from the vendor to a user on the user's workstation 11, 64.

[0072] Another feature that is often regarded as highly desirable by auser is games 164. Games 164 that use national trademarks,well-recognized characters, or game schemes, or the like may be providedin the game 164. Again, the games 164 may themselves include multimediapresentations 158 and may provide direct or indirect input templates156.

[0073] Other software 156 may be provided for any of a host of purposesthat may be desirable by a vendor or a user. Other software 166 mayinclude, for example, tests, skill evaluations, any interactive exchangeof information, or the like that may be useful to the user or thevendor. The results of such other software 166 may be stored for only asession or may be stored for some period of time for use at a later timeby either a vendor or a user, in accordance with authorizations by eachor either one.

[0074] Output data 168 and input data 169 may be viewed from the pointof view of the CD-ROM tag 60, a user, or a vendor. Regardless, variousinputs or various applications 160, presentations 158, including thecatalog 154, and so forth, may be independent of the application 160 orexecutables. Thus, the outputs 168 and inputs 169 may be perceived tocontain data used by the executables of the software package 140, aswell as information that may be provided to a user. Also, the outputdata 168 and input data 169 may include data in addition to the dataprovided by the CD-ROM tag 60. For example, certain of the data 168, 169may be those items of information provided in response to the inputtemplates 156, which information may be provided, at the user'sdiscretion back to vendors for the purpose of purchasing, selecting,reporting, registering, or the like, products or purchases.

[0075] In certain embodiments, software 142 may actually be installableon a non-volatile storage device 16 of a workstation 11, 64 of a user.Thus, an installer 170 may actually be provided on the CD-ROM 60 orindependently therefrom.

[0076] Output executables 172 may provide data from a user back to avendor. Meanwhile, input executables 174 may provide for collection ofinformation from a user. Part of the user input executables 174 mayactually be pre-programmed data provided by a vendor in association witha CD-ROM tag 60. Accordingly, the input executable 174 may actuallyreport input data 178 already on a CD-ROM tag, identifying productpurchases. However, the most useful input data 178 to a vendor may bethe product information available on a CD-ROM 60 in association withinputs from a user regarding personal preferences and purchasingpatterns. Again, the relationship between input data 178 and output data176 may be considered with respect to a user, or with respect to theexecutables 172, 174 or may be considered with respect to a vendor orwith respect to a user workstation 11, 64. Thus, one need not be lockedinto any one frame of reference. Nevertheless, the inputs 178, andoutputs 176, in general will provide information for transfer to andfrom executables 172, 174 hosted on a user workstation 11, 64, and mayprovide information back to a vendor base computer 68. A significantbenefit of a CD-ROM tag 60 is to provide for the needs of a user and theneeds of a vendor in exchanging information. Accordingly, a vendor moreeasily satisfies the needs of a user or a purchaser by virtue of theavailable data 176, 178, while a user can selectively authorizetransmission of various data 174, 176 to and from a vendor base 68 oreven an independent third party server 66 according to only thoseauthorizations selected by a user.

[0077] Thus, in one embodiment, the software 140, 142, 144 may representalternative mechanisms for collecting information and storing the samefor the user. Similarly, the information may selectively, at a user'sdiscretion, be transmitted from the user workstation 11, 64 to a vendorbase 68 at a point of purchase or a time of purchase. Most users arehappy to provide necessary information to size or otherwise selectpurchases. Information provided to a vendor may then be discreetly usedby the vendor in order to better capture demographic informationcorrelating products, advertising campaigns, sales, and the like,together.

[0078] Referring now to FIG. 7, additional and alternative details ofembodiments in accordance with an apparatus and method of the inventionmay include executables 180, operational data 182 (non-executables) andorganic data 184. The term “organic” as used herein reflects themilitary concept of installed systems that are part and parcel of aparticular organization or operation. In this instance, the organic datastructure 184 reflect those software and file structures that areinstalled or inherent on a user workstation 11, 64 independent of theCD-ROM tag 60. Nevertheless, the organic data structures 184 may beexecutable in order to access or use operational data 182 provided bythe CD-ROM tag 60.

[0079] Typically, a memory device 14 of a user workstation includesvarious utilities 186 for performing the necessary functions ordesirable activities associated with the “care and feeding” of the userworkstation 11, 64. Typically various applications 188 providefunctional abilities for a user. For example, Internet access, browsers,text editors, painting and drawing programs, word processing, financialprograms, and the like are various applications 188 hosted by a userworkstation 11, 64. Likewise, games, e-mail, and other applications 188or programs 188 are becoming ubiquitous by public domain software,shareware, commercial software, and the like.

[0080] The applications 188 operate “on top of” an operating system 190.Of course, the utilities 186 may operate with applications 188, or mayoperate as applications themselves on the operating system 190.

[0081] Many workstations 11, 64, and sometimes operating systems 190themselves, include launchers 192 for launching applications 188.Browsers 194 are ubiquitous. A selected few browsers are nearlyuniversally installed. Thus, a browser 194 organic to a workstation 11,64 may actually be presumed to be one of a very few types. Thus, theCD-ROM tag 60 need not include a browser 194, since a browser 194 may bepresumed to be installed, so long as the selected few browsers aresupported.

[0082] Database managers 196 likewise are of several types. To theextent that a database manager 196 already exists, a user may elect notto use or may not need any type of a storage and retrieval engine otherthan a database manager 196 organic to the workstation 10, 16. Searchengines 198 may be embodied in database managers 196 or browsers 194.Alternatively, other search engines may also exist as a result ofvarious needs or applications available to a user. Likewise, certainsearch engines 198 are available over the Internet and need only beaccessed by internet client software.

[0083] Viewers 200 or players 200 are again ubiquitous. The names arewell known and the multimedia presentations players 200 are welldocumented. Any one of such viewers 200 or players 200 may exist as anorganic software article on a workstation 11, 64. Editors 202 or at thehigher end, word processors 202 are likewise ubiquitous and welldocumented, while being limited to only a few major players. E-mailengines 204 exist as does other software 206. Accordingly, a user maydocument, or the operating system 190 may provide, an identification ofthe typical organic software suite 192, 206. To the extent that a userwants to be spared the tedium, the executables 180 may themselvesdetermine the organic software suite 192-206, thus obviating the need toinstall specialty executables unique to the CD-ROM 60. Nevertheless,executables 180 may be provided in order to deliver to a user the fullcontent of a CD-ROM tag 60, without requiring any particular softwaresuite 184.

[0084] Associated with the software 192-206 may be various data files210 taking the form of documents 212 records 214 or other files 216.Again, the storage format of the data files 210 will depend upon thesoftware creating them. The executables 180 and operational data 182 mayconform to the data files 210.

[0085] In certain embodiments a CD-ROM tag 60 may include onlyoperational data 182 and no executables 180. Typically, an operatingsystem 190 with various utilities 186 can protect against viruses.Nevertheless, some reluctance to load executables 180 may be avoided byproviding only operational data 182 on a CD-ROM tag 60, to be executedby the organic software 184 of a users individual workstation 11, 64.Nevertheless, since a CD-ROM tag 60 comes from a responsible supplier,and is in a format not available for tampering, the executables 180 maybe loaded with confidence.

[0086] Nevertheless, for saving space on a CD-ROM tag 60, operationaldata 182 may consume considerably less space than certain executables180. Nevertheless, again, when discussing audio data or visual data,particularly animated data, the operational data 182 may grow tosubstantial size.

[0087] In certain embodiments, application data 218 may include userpreferences or user settings 220. Most applications provide for suchinformation tailored to a user's needs. Again, the operational data 182may correspond to the organic software 184, or the new executables 180installed as a result of the CD-ROM tag 60. Applications 188 may havetheir own individualized data peculiar, not to a user, but to theapplication 188. Accordingly, application set up data 222 or setups 222may be provided as temporary or permanent configuration data controllingthe use and access to applications 188. Of course, the operational data182 may all be applicable to the executables 180, as well. Applicationfiles 224 may be required data, or it may be the stored files 224resulting from execution of an application 188, 180.

[0088] Certain graphical user interface data 226 or icon data 226supports ready access by a user to applications 188, 180. Entertainmentfiles providing images, operational data, scenarios, conditions, and thelike for various gaming applications or other entertainment executables265, 188 may be a major portion of the operational data 182 provided ina CD-ROM tag 60. For example, new game scenarios, music, sound bites,presentations, video animations, and the like may form a substantialentertainment file 228 of interest to a user, and useful by anexecutable 180, 188 of a user workstation 11, 64.

[0089] In certain embodiments, operational data 182 may be embodied inan object 230 or various objects 230. Objects 230 may include strictlyattributes 232 or may include sufficient executables 234 embedded in theobject 230 in order to provide access by a user to the attributes 232.

[0090] An audiovisual or multimedia catalog content 236 may execute withan application 184 or an executable 180 such as a catalog presentation270. Again, catalog content 236 may be a major benefit to a vendor aswell as a desirable benefit to a user. Moreover, if the catalog content236 may be filtered according to user preferences, and presented in adynamic and engaging format, the catalog content 236 may have greatcommercial value to a vendor and to a user in providing targetedmessages to a desiring audience.

[0091] One major benefit to CD-ROM tag 60 may be the facilitation ofregistration data 240 or response data 240 from a user back to a vendor.The data 240 may be provided from a user workstation 11, 64 to a basecomputer 68 of a vendor, or to a centralized server 66. In certainembodiments, a user may have few qualms about providing information froma workstation 11, 64 to a base 68 over an internetwork 50, knowing thatthe base 68 is controlled and owned by a specific vendor under anagreement with the user not to provide user data elsewhere.Alternatively, in certain embodiments, a base 68 or a user 64 mayprovide to a third party server 66 certain information. However, userresponse data 240 may be protected to any extent desired by a user and avendor. Accordingly, a vendor may obtain valuable and specific targetingdata so long as the vendor agrees to maintain such data in confidence.For example, a user may desire repeatedly to purchase certain selectedbrands of clothing. The user may likewise have no qualms about providingsizing data, purchases, style information, and the like to a vendor.However, many users might have a great objection to having suchinformation generally available to random purchasers of targetinginformation. Accordingly, the registration data 240 or response date 240may provide user options for the generalized availability of personaldata.

[0092] The data 240 may include vendor data 242 taken directly from theCD-ROM tag 60 or provided by a user. Vendor data 242 may be selected bya vendor and embedded on the CD-ROM tag 60.

[0093] A data packaging module 244 may contain information such asauthorizations 246 permitted by a user. Likewise, any questions ortemplates that fill out database records for a vendor may be containedin the template content 248. The data packaging module 244 may thusprovide personal information in the template content 248, bound tocertain selected and limited authorizations 246. The authorizations 246may have the effect of filtering the availability of the templatecontent 248 to a vendor or various vendors. Thus, the authorizations 246may provide to a user great comfort and great control over thedistribution of targeting information.

[0094] User profile response data 250 may be provided directly orindirectly from a user workstation 11, 64. In general, the user responsedata or the profile data 250 represents information of value to thevendor, and only available from a user.

[0095] Product response data 252 or purchase response data 252 may beprovided by a user, by the CD-ROM tag 60 itself, or both. Depending on auser's willingness to respond to questions, certain product data 252 maybe provided. However, since a vendor controls the manufacture of theCD-ROM a vendor can place information in as much detail as desired on aCD-ROM tag 60. Thus, a CD-ROM may simply be a generalized CD-ROM tag 60associated with a vendor. Alternatively, a CD-ROM may be produced inversions which are specific to a style, color, stock number, salesdistribution outlet identification, or the like. Just as labeling onproducts may be specific to a style, color, and the like, a CD-ROM tag60 may be so specific. Alternatively, a vendor may produce CD-ROM tags60 having certain product data 252, and providing rapid template inputsor selections of other details. For example, a style may be indicated bythe data 252 provided directly to the CD-ROM. Other response data 252may involve user selection of color, size, or the like. Thus, the CD-ROMtag 60 contains the style information and vendor information and perhapscertain distribution information, whereas the response data 252 providedby a user directly may include color, size, and additional purchasepoint information.

[0096] Linking data 254 may be inside linking data 255 or outsidelinking data 256. Inside linking data 255 may be thought of as bindinginformation linking, for example, products and purchase response data252 with user profile and user response data 250. Inside linking data255 may include authorizations 246 linking to selected content 248obtained from templates. Thus, the inside linking data 255 may be quitespecific, and quite controlled. By contrast, the outside linking data256 may provide information necessary to link as seamlessly as possiblethe user workstation 11, 64 to a vendor base 68 or third party server66. Thus, for example, the outside linking data 256 may provideaddresses and sets of information for ready engagement of a browser 194or viewer 200, or even e-mail 204. The CD-ROM tag 60 may facilitate avery rapid, user-friendly, and transparent link back to a vendor.

[0097] To the extent that a user station 11, 64 does not contain aspecific, required article of organic software 184, an executable 180may be provided for the function. As a practical matter, a launcher 258may not be necessary if launchers 192 are organic. Launchers 192 areoften embedded in operating systems 190.

[0098] Nevertheless, to the extent that they are not available asorganic software 184, a browser 259, a viewer 260, and e-mail program261, a fax sending or receiving program 262, a player 263 for audio,video, or other data, or a broker 264 for accessing any of theapplications 258-263 or any of the applications 192-206 may be providedon the CD-ROM tag 60. The functionality of each of these applications192-206 and applications 258-263 are clear from their names or titles.

[0099] A broker 264 may be thought of as a user interface for selectingand engaging a particular executable 258-263 or application 192-206 onbehalf of a user. Thus, a broker 264 may effectively navigate betweenvarious applications or executables seamlessly, with a minimum ofinterruption and input by a user.

[0100] Entertainment 265 may be a major draw for certain classes ofusers. Accordingly, proprietary, novel, or licenced entertainment 265may take the form of music, videos, demonstrations, education, games,skill tests, and the like. Entertainment 265 may be interactive toprovide user information.

[0101] An installer 266 may or may not be required depending on theparticular nature of executables 258-265. Again, an installer 266 may beobviated by the presence of an installer 266 in association with theorganic software 184 when purchased. Alternatively, to the extent thatan installer 266 is necessary to install or uninstall executables 180,the installer 266 may be provided on the CD-ROM tag 60. Since so manyapplications share libraries, the installer 266 may be necessary inorder to obtain the security and the access needed for proper set up ofa user workstation 11, 64.

[0102] As discussed above, executables 180 may take the form of objects267, wherein sufficient attributes 268 to operate certain executables269 are provided within the object 267. Alternatively, the attributes268 may be significant and a result of user inputs to access theexecutables 269. Thus, the comparative size and significance of theattributes 268 and executables 269 need not be prejudiced in favor ofeither one.

[0103] A catalog presentation 270 is an executable 180 for presenting acatalog. The catalog presentation 270 may have data contained therein,but may preferably be only the executable 180 with the content 236exchangeable. Thus, a single catalog presentation executable 270 may beprovided on a single CD-ROM tag 60. Later on, additional CD-ROMs maychange content 236 or add content 236 that may still be accessed by thesingle original catalog presentation executable 270.

[0104] Similarly, templates 271 may provide input formats,questionnaires, record styles, and the like. Templates 271 may beanimated to be more engaging. The templates 271 may be nested series ofnumerous question fields that are automatically filtered according toprevious answers. Accordingly, the templates 271 may be quitesophisticated. However, as with the catalog presentation 270, thetemplates 271 may benefit from having the executables 271 separate fromthe vendor date 242, data packaging information 244, user profile date250, or product data 252 separately stored.

[0105] The registration engine 272 may represent the executable portion272 designed to provide the registration response date 240. For example,the authorization module 273 may provide the questions, explanations,and controls, or may use the information provided for, the authorization246. Thus, the authorization module 273 may be thought of as theexecutable 273 responsible for generating, using, or both, theauthorization data 246. Similarly, an I-O module 274 may provide theconnection mechanism for using the linking data 254 in order to input oroutput data generated by the registration engine 272.

[0106] A profile builder 276 may be simple or sophisticated. The profilebuilder 276 may be thought of as executable 180 responsible forproviding user profile data 250. Profile builder 276 may also providelinking between user profile and response data 250 and the product ofpurchase response data 252. Thus, the profile builder 276 may providedata 250, 252 as well as linking data 254.

[0107] An inference engine 277 may be hosted in a user workstation 11,64 or may be hosted in the base 68 to be operated on the base CPU 12, ormay be hosted in the CPU 12 of a server 66. In general, the inferenceengine 277 may actually be a rather sophisticated and complex softwaremodule 277. Accordingly, the inference engine 277 is typically a portionof a vendor's analysis tools. Linkers 280 may be incorporated within theprofile builder or registration engine, but may also be outside. As apractical matter, linkers 280 may be associated with a broker 264. Thatis, in general, the linking data 254 is created to be used. Some enginemust use the linking data in order to make the links between operationaldata 182, or between a user workstation 11, 64 and a vendor base 68 orserver 66. Thus, the linkers 280 may be embodied within the broker 264,or may be accessed by the broker 264. In certain embodiments a browser259 may obviate the need for a broker 264 or linkers 280. On the otherhand, the engines that form and manage the links back to a vendor, maybe provided by the linkers 280. Other executables 278 may serveadditional functions requested by a user or a vendor.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 8, a collection 282 of CD-ROMs 60 may actuallyinvolve the electronic series 283 or indices 284 of the content ofmultiple CD-ROM tags 60. For example, CD-ROMs 60 may contain substantialamounts of information that a user does not desire, in general, to storeon a storage device 16 in a user station 11, 64. Accordingly, thecollection 283 or the index 284 may simply be responsible to providesufficient linking information to readily access information on CD-ROMs60. Alternatively, certain specific information may be stored in thecollection 282, with the more massive information on CD-ROMs 60. Incertain embodiments, the CD-ROMs 60 may be dispensed with and theindices 284 may provide links back to a web site 68 or base 68 fromwhich updated information from executables 180 or operational data 182may be downloaded to a user on demand. Thus, the CD-ROM may contain theinitial information and setup involved, while the actual content (e.g.operational data 182) may be updated and downloaded automatically or inresponse to user requests.

[0109] Interactions illustrated in FIG. 8 between the user workstation64 and the base 68 or other server 66 need not go outside the browser259, viewer 260, player 263, or search engine 285. That is, thecollection 282 may be accessed from within the single computer 64,without access to an internetwork 50 to contact the base 68 or server66. An actual index 284 of the content of the collection 282 may beprovided and searched by the indexing and search engine 285. Theindexing and searching engine 285 may be thought of as the databaseengine maintaining a database 284 of index information related to thecontent of the collection 282. Access to the collection 282 may beobtained by one or more of the browser 259, 260 engine 285, and player263, or other access software 292. In certain embodiments, e-mail 261may be used to access the information 282 and forward it to anotherlocation. Typically, a browser 259 or e-mail 261 may have immediateaccess over an internetwork 50 to other servers 66, 68.

[0110] An optional local broker 286 may navigate between the availableapplications 180 or executables 180 including the browser 259 e-mail261, and the like. However, the local broker 286 is strictly optional.For example, a browser 259 or Internet browser 259 may access thecollection 282 and provide date back to the server 66 or the base 68 andvice-versa. Nevertheless, a broker 286 may be configured as describedabove in the broker 264 of FIG. 7. The broker 286 has a function ofintegrating, if desired, and providing a user interface that does notdemand of a user continual switching between, or worse, launching andexiting, various application software. As illustrated in FIG. 8, theuser workstation 64 may provide or acquire information from the centraldatabase server 289 by means of a central interface broker 288. That is,the central interface broker 288 may cooperate with the local broker286, or in the absence of a local broker 286 may cooperate directly witha viewer 260 or browser 259. Alternatively, a user may access directly aprivate database server 291 in the base 68, with or without a privateinterface broker 290. The purpose of the brokers 288, 290 may bedesigned by a vendor or a third party. However, in order to facilitateease of access to servers 66, or the actual data stores 289 and server68, including the actual data stored 291, information must betransported in a format recognizable and useful by a controllingexecutable. Since an individual user may have a workstation 64 having aviewer 260, a viewer may be the only mechanism available to access thecollection 282 of CD-ROM tag information, and update it. Alternatively,some internet browsers 259 may be available. In some instances, onlye-mail 261 is available. Likewise, only some database management engine285 or some particular player 263, such as a multimedia player, or thelike, may be available. Accordingly, the availability of brokers 286,288, 290 may be optional. However, the brokers basically can facilitateinteraction by repackaging information according to different protocolsin certain instances. Thus, the brokers 286, 288, 290 may all beoptional. However, a third party controlling the server 66 may desire tohave a central interface broker 288 in order to accommodate moreinformation in more formats for more sources. Likewise, a vendor ofproducts, by controlling the base 68 or base server 68 may desire tohave a private interface broker 290 in order to facilitate access toinformation and receipt of information in a variety of formats.

[0111] Effectively, in the system of FIG. 8, operating with the hardwareand software configurations of FIGS. 1-7, may exchange informationbetween a central third party controlling a server 66, a vendorcontrolling a server 68, and a user controlling a workstation 64.

[0112] The database stores 289, 291 may contain information obtainedfrom user workstations 64 with user authorizations. Accordingly, theusers may request by pulling information and vendors may push byproviding, according to user authorization, data from the data stores289, 291. Thus, a free flow of targeted product information to userworkstations 64 filtered according to user desires and profiles isfacilitated.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 9, an apparatus and method in accordance withthe invention may be implemented by a system 293 or method 293. In oneembodiment, a vendor 294 controlling a base 68 or base server 68 mayprovide 295 the information required by a CD-ROM provider 296 in orderfor the CD-ROM provider 296 to construct the operational data 182 andexecutables 180 of FIG. 7. As a result, the CD-ROM provider 296 delivers297 or provides 297 a design 298 for the CD-ROM hang-tag 60. The design298 may include both graphic design and software architecture as well asdata structure architecture for the operational data. The CD-ROMs 60 arethen provided 299.

[0114] Meanwhile, a vendor 294 provides 302 product 300 to be associatedwith the CD-ROM tags 60. The CD-ROM tags 60 may be attached to theproduct 300 by any suitable means, including tethering, adhesives,packaging, and the like. Thus, the CD-ROM tag 60 is associated with theproduct 300 for delivery 304 to a user 306. The user 306 separates theCD-ROM tag 60 from the product 300 and installs 308 the CD-ROM tag 60 onthe workstation 64.

[0115] As described with respect to FIGS. 1-8, the workstation 64 maythen establish links 310 with the server 66 which may include engines,servers, databases, and the like as described above. Similarly, theworkstation 64 may establish links 310 with the base 68 or base server68 associated with the vendor 294. Accordingly, the workstation 64 mayobtain data from the servers 66, 68, and deliver data to the databasesof the servers 66, 68.

[0116] Referring now to FIG. 10 another embodiment of the invention ispresented as a user-computer-readable medium imbedded in a product label410 (herein the label). The label 410 may be configured to be a hang tagas the term is used in the clothing and retail industries, any hangingtag configured to be attached to a product using a tether 75, or any tagconfigured to be attached to a product in any other manner.

[0117] Penetrations 76 may be provided with tethers 75 for connecting alabel 410 to various products. For example, in the clothing industry,various types of tethering mechanisms have been developed to facilitateautomatic insertion of securement mechanisms with minimum labor andminimum cost. Nevertheless, alternative embodiments may operateindependent of the tethers 75.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 10 while continuing to refer generally to FIGS.3-5, the label 410 may be substituted for CD-ROM tag 60. Accordingly thelabel 60, 410 is formed to display on an outer surface 434 information484. The information 484 may include facts about the product and factsabout the source of the product. Information 484 may be conveyeddirectly through the use of printed words, symbols, trade marks, servicemarks, pictures, and the like. The information 484 may also be conveyedthrough the selection of the color or shape of the label 410. Theinformation 484 may include a product name, brand name, vendor name, orother name 78, vendor identification 80, slogans 82, messages 84, othermarks 86 or trademarks 86, logos 88, and images 90 or symbols 90.

[0119] In general, a shape 92 or an edge 92 may also provide theinformation 484. Any shape that will still function with a drive 62 maybe suitable. In certain embodiments, a label 60, 410 may have vertices94 or comers 94. As a practical matter, a label 60, 410 may be thestandard shape for the particular medium or formed in a variety ofshapes as illustrated in FIGS. 3-4 and 10.

[0120] A computer-readable medium product label 410 may be substitutedfor the CD-ROM tag 60. Accordingly, if an optical medium, such as CD-ROM460, or DVD 468, is selected, the label 60 may be of any suitablearbitrary weight-balanced configuration. For other types of media suchas a floppy disk 470, an industry-standard size, shape, or both may bedictated. A tether 75, secured through a penetration 76, may secure thelabel 60 to a product. As a practical matter, penetrations 76 may bedistributed in a balanced fashion to prevent even small variations inthe balance on a label 60, 410, particularly if the label 410 is aCD-Rim 460 or a DVD 468.

[0121] In one embodiment, the choice of a computer-readable medium mayinclude an optical medium such as a DVD 468 or CD-ROM 460. In otherembodiments, the computer-readable medium may include a magnetic mediumsuch as magnetic strip 464 or floppy disk 470. In other embodiments, thecomputer-readable medium may be a symbolic code such as a bar code 462.In yet other embodiments, the choice of a computer-readable medium mayinclude firmware 366 such as a card with an embedded chip.

[0122] The computer-readable medium couples to the tag 410 otherinformation 486 in a computer-readable format. The information 486 ofthe label 410 may be configured, selected, and operable the same as thevarious software 140, 142, and 144 corresponding to the CD-Rom hang tag60 in FIG. 6. The information 486 may also correspond to the executablesand operational data 182 of the CD-Rom hang tag 60. Accordingly, theinformation 486 may include product facts, source facts, new productfacts, service facts, a game, a data gathering interface, a test, abrowser, a launcher, or the like and a network identifier (e.g. address,URL) corresponding to a location where additional information may beavailable.

[0123] Referring again to FIGS. 8-9, the collection 282 of media tags 60may also be a collection 282 of labels 410, each capable of all the usesand functionality thereof The process system 293 or method 293 may applyto labels 410 as well as to media tags 60. A computer-readable mediumembodied in product a label 410 may perform as a CD-Rom tag 60 or othermedia tag 60.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 11, a product 412 is illustrated with labels410 attached at various locations. In the illustrated embodiment, theproduct 412 is a garment 414. Many currently available computer-readablemedia are fragile and require some degree of padding or other protectionduring shipping. For this purpose, the garment 414 is a suitable product412 to be packaged in conjunction with the label 410. The garment 414may be made of soft, cushioning fabric that will protect the label 410during packaging, handling, shipping, and display of the product 412prior to purchase by a consumer.

[0125] The garment 414 has an associated exterior 418 and an interior420. Depending on the type of garment 414, other features of the garment414 may include an attached tag 416, a button 422, a button hole 424, apocket 426, a sleeve 428, a cuff 43 0, and the like. A tether 75 mayattach the label 410 to the garment 414 at any of the previouslymentioned features or at other locations where ever labels may beserviceably attached by manufactures and retailers.

[0126] Referring now to FIG. 12, another embodiment of a product 412,may be a toy 440. A toy 440 may be a stuffed animal 440 as shown or anyother type of toy 440. A stuffed toy 440 may provide the same beneficialpadding and protection for the label 410 as the garment 414.

[0127] A toy 440 may have one or more features significant for tagging,such as, for example, an appendage 442, an ear 444, an exterior surface418, an arm 446, an attached fabric tag 416, or the like for receivingthe label 410. The label 410 may be attached to the toy 440 by a tether75 secured at any of these or other accessible features.

[0128] Referring now to FIG. 13, a type of footgear 450 is illustratedas one embodiment of a product 412. An eyelet 452, a lace 454, anexterior surface 418, an interior 420, and other features of a footgear450 may be accessible. A tether 75 may attach the label 414 to thefootgear 450 at these or other features without damaging the footgear450. Because footgear 450 may be somewhat soft in some locations and isfrequently shipped and sold in boxes and other hard packaging, footgear450 is another ideal product 412 for use with a label 410. The packagingof the footgear 450 may tend to prevent the label 410 from being damagedprior to purchase of the product 412 by a consumer.

[0129] The label 410, usable as illustrated and described in conjunctionwith a garment 414, a toy 440, and a footgear 450, may rely on of theability of these products to provide the needed padding and protectionof the label 410 prior to purchase by a consumer. However, it will beappreciated by those of skill in the art that the label 410 may beconfigured to function in conjunction with other products 412 that mayrequire additional measures to insure that the label 410 is delivered toa consumer without damage. These other products may include headgear,foodstuffs, furniture, materials, equipment, appliances, sporting goods,dry goods, tools, machinery, plants, and the like. With such products,labels 410 may be packaged, shipped, or both independently from theproduct, and attached at the site of retail display. Labels 410 may beshipped with sufficient padding or other suitable packaging structuresto protect from heat, bending, breakage, warping, weather, impact,magnetic fields, or the like.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 14, different types of tethers 75 may beemployed. In one illustrated embodiment, a string tether 472 may bematched with a product 412 having a button hole 472. The label 410 maybe attached to the string 472 through a penetration 76. The string maybe looped or tied to create a double strand of string 472. The doublestranded string 472 may passed through the button hole 472. The label410 may pass back through the resulting loop forming a knot 474 securingthe label 410 to the product 412. A knot 474 may attach a string tether472 to a button 422 by a wrapping of double stranded string around thebase of the button 422 and passing the attached label through theresulting loop.

[0131] In alternative embodiments, a pin 478 may be used to attach thestring tether 472 to the product 412. The pin 478 may be attached to theproduct 412 by inserting the pin 478 through the outer surface 432 ofthe product 412. The string 472 may be tied to the pin using a squareknot 482 or another knot 482.

[0132] Additionally, a stop 480 may be attached to the string 472 andpassed through a button hole 424. The stop 480 may be made by attachingan end of a string to a crossbar, such as an elongated, thin piece ofplastic, metal, wood, or the like. The length of the stop 480 tends toposition itself accross the button hole 424. Thus, the stop 480 mayeasily enter the button hole 424 when inserted end-first but will onlyexit the button hole 424 when carefully oriented by a user in the samemanner.

[0133] With most of the disclosed methods of attachment, the string 472may actually be made of any suitable, functional material. For examplesuitable materials may include plastic, cotton, paper, nylon, hemp, orother natural or manmade stranded materials.

[0134] In another embodiment tether a 75 may be a T-tether 476 made of athin, flexible piece of plastic with a rigid stop (crossbar or “T) ateach end. The T-tether 476 may be attached to product 412 through theconventional, attached product or material label 416 or through asurface 432 of the product 412.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 5, a user-computer-readable label 410 may besubstituted for a CD-ROM tag 60. A sleeve 110 or substrate 112 may mountor otherwise secure a label 410/60 to a product 412. The sleeve 110 orsubstrate 112 may be secured directly to a package, or tethered theretoby a tether 75 by any suitable method, such as those illustrated inFIGS. 3-5. In one embodiment, a backing 114 may connect to a cover 116having a seam 117 for securing or bonding 117 the cover 116 to thebacking 114. A label 410, 60 may be inserted between the cover 116 andbacking 114 forming a sleeve 110 or envelope 110.

[0136] In other embodiments, a pedestal 120 or stub 120 may penetratethe aperture 61 to retain a label 410, 60. In certain embodiments, afoot 121 of a pedestal 120 may secure the pedestal 120 to a substrate112 or backing 114. A keeper 122 may serve to retain the label 410, 60on the pedestal 120. In selected embodiments, fingers 123 may provideboth a pedestal and retention function. In other embodiments, a detent124 may secure or engage a label 410, 60 with a pedestal 120.

[0137] In certain embodiments, a lock 126 may engage a catch 128 forsecuring a keeper 122 in or on a pedestal 120. The mechanism forlatching the lock 126 catch 128 may be selected from a virtuallyinfinite number mechanical engagements.

[0138] Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, a packaged product 490 may be aproduct 412 surrounded by packaging 492. In one embodiment, thepackaging 492 may be soft packaging 494. Soft packaging 494 may compriseany suitable envelope, a bag, or other covering made of plastic, paper,cloth, or other flexible or flaccid material.

[0139] In another embodiment, the packaging 492 may be hard packaging496. Hard packaging 496 may be a box, case, frame, or the like and maybe made of paper, cardboard, wood, metal, or other comparatively stiffand strong structural material.

[0140] A label 410 may be attached to a packaged product 490 bysecurement to an unpackaged product 412 later inserted into thepackaging 492. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15,the label 410 is attached by a string tether 472 to a button 422 andthen inserted into a pocket 426.

[0141] The label 410 may also be attached directly to the packaging 492by a tether 75 by any of the previously discussed methods and structuresor another more suitable. In the embodiment of FIG. 15, the tether 75 isattached to the packaging 492 by a fastener . The fastener 498 may be astaple, a sticker, a pin, a T-tether, a rivet, glue, or the like. If thefastener 498 has a significant surface area, as, for example a sticker,the fastener may have printed on a face or otherwise convey fastener amessage 500. The fastener message 500 may correspond to information 484.

[0142] A label 410 may also be attached by an adhesive 502 directly to asurface 493 of the packaging 492 or the product 412. The adhesive 502may securely hold the label 410 to the packaging 492, yet be readilyremovable from the label 410.

[0143] Referring now to FIG. 17, a product 412 may have an exterior 418and an interior 420. The label 410 may be attached to the product 412 tobe positioned at least partially in the interior of the product. Thelabel 410 may be secured by a tether 75 and penetration 76 in theattached product or materials label 416 to position the label 410 in theinterior 420 of the garment 414. The label 410 may also be secured to abutton 422 a tether 75. The label 410 may be placed in a pocket 426, oneinterior region 420 of the product 412.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 18, one schematic block diagram illustrates aprocess of label manufacture 510. Initial manufacture 512 of blankcomputer-readable media may precede the selection 514 of thecomputer-readable content to be stored in computer-readable medium.Writing 516 the content to the computer-readable medium may be followedby quality control 518 process.

[0145] Referring now to FIG. 19, blank manufacture 512 may begin withselection 520 of the type of computer-readable medium to be relied upon.In the illustrated embodiment, a user may, for example, select from anoptical medium 522, symbolic medium 524, magnetic medium 526, firmwaremedium 528, or the like.

[0146] The selection 520 of the type of medium may depend on a number offactors including for example medium availability, storage capacity,storage density, durability, cost of production, and availability ofmedium readers among target consumers. In one embodiment, optical mediasuch as a CD-ROM 460 or DVD 468 maybe selected. The optical media arereadily available, have a large storage capacity, are durable, areinexpensive, enjoy wide use among consumers. Other types of media suchas symbolic media and firmware media do not enjoy wide distribution ofreaders among consumers but may grow in popularity as the installed baseof reading devices grows.

[0147] If an optical medium is selected, manufacture 510 may require theselection of a resin 530, selection of a shape 532, formation 534 ofsubstrates, information selection 536, imprinting of the label 538, andquality control 540. Resin selection 530 may be made from among thetypes of resin known in the art. Shape selection 532 may accommodateseveral variables. For example, for an optical medium, currenttechnology dictates a symmetrical balanced shape to spin evenly.Addition of precisely placed ballast may be used in certain embodiments.The shape may be selected to convey the information 484. For example, ifa manufacturer of a product 412 has a readily recognizable shape in itstrademark, the shape may be selected as the shape of the optical medium.

[0148] Once a resin selection 530 and shape selection 532 is complete,the formation of the substrate 534 may occur. Selection 536 of theinformation 484 to be printed on the label 410 may involve considerationof the type of information to be conveyed by the label 410 and themanner in which it is to be conveyed. Information 484 may be conveyedthrough the shape of the medium. Likewise color of a medium or the colorprinted on the medium may convey information 484.

[0149] Pictures and graphics may be printed on or adhered to the mediumin a manner to convey information 484. Words may be printed on oradhered to the label 410 in order to convey information 484. Once theselection 536 of the information 484 is complete, the information 538may be imprinted 484 onto the label 410. Thereafter it may be useful tohave a system available for sampling and verifying the quality of theproduced blank labels 410.

[0150] If a type of medium other than an optical medium 522 is selected,additional steps may be relied upon. For example, if a symbolic codemedium 524 is selected, the selection of the material 542 on which thecode is to be imprinted may be necessary. Selected materials 542 mayinclude paper, cardboard, fabric, plastic, and the like. The materialselected 542 may depend on the type of reader available.

[0151] The symbolic code 543 itself may include dots, images, bar codes,or the like. The process of manufacture may be the analogous to thosefor the optical medium commencing with selection of shape 532.

[0152] If a magnetic medium 526 is selected, an additional step of typeselection may be warranted. Currently, several configurations ofmagnetic media are available, including floppy disks, zip disks,magnetic strips, magnetic tape, and so forth. Size and storageconsiderations may favor any one of these types of magnetic media overanother in certain applications. However, wherever technology provides acertain standard configuration for each of these type of magnetic media,the process may be analogous to that for the optical process 522 at theformation step 534.

[0153] Firmware 528 may also be selected as a computer-readable medium.The firmware may be a chip 466 imbedded in a substrate such as a plasticcard. The chip may contain computer-readable information that can beaccessed when the chip is positioned to be accessible by a computer.Technology may dictate many aspects of the chip including its shape. Themanufacturing process may then be analogous to the optical mediumprocess 522 at the formation step 534.

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 18 & 20, content selection 514 may include theselection of the other information 486 corresponding to data files andexecutable files. The data selection 550 may depend on the data thevendor wants to covey to and collect from a user. Executables selection552 may depend on whether the executables are organic 534 to a user'ssystem installable files 556.

[0155] Referring to FIG. 18, writing 516 may be directly related to thetype of medium selected. The labels may be examined 518 for qualitycontrol and then be available to be affixed to a product by a suitablemeans.

[0156] From the above discussion, it will be appreciated that thepresent invention provides a product labeling apparatus and method thatprovides entertainment or other useful products to a user, whileproviding links and implementation thereof back to a vendor of servicesor products. Advertising impressions and hot links may continue longafter a product is used. Accordingly, user information may be providedfor use by user, a vendor, or both. Meanwhile, product information maybe provided from a vendor to a user. The data and software provided on aproduct label containing a computer-readable medium may thus facilitatethe data needs of a vendor while providing a personal data repositoryfor ready control and access by a user. Meanwhile, focused links mayprovide ready communication over the internet between a vendor and apurchaser for the benefit of each.

[0157] The present invention may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from its essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only,and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are tobe embraced within their scope.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States LettersPatent is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a label configured to be affixedto a product; the product having a surface associated therewith; thelabel configured to directly communicate first information correspondingto at least one of the product and a source of the product; and acomputer-readable medium coupled to the product by the label.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first information is printed on thelabel.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the first information iscontained in a selection of color on the label.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1 , wherein the label is shaped to provide the first informationthrough a shape.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein thecomputer-readable medium contains second information comprising at leastone of product facts, source facts, new product facts, service facts, agame, a data gathering interface, a test, a browser, a launcher, and anetwork identifier corresponding to a location of additionalinformation.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the product includesat least one of a garment, footwear, headgear, a toy, a foodstuff,furniture, an appliance, sporting goods, dry goods, a tool, and a plant.7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the product is placed with respectto the label to protect the label prior to purchase.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 1 , wherein the label includes at least one of a hang tag and ahanging tag, substantially enclosing the computer-readable medium. 9.The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the computer-readable medium includesat least one of a printed medium, an electromagnetic medium, an opticalmedium, and a firmware medium.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 , whereinthe computer-readable medium is formatted in at least one of the formatsincluding compact disk, floppy disk, digital video disk, magnetic strip,bar code, symbolic code, and an embedded chip.
 11. An apparatuscomprising: a label configured to be affixed to packaging substantiallyenclosing a product, and the packaging having an exterior; the labelconfigured to directly communicate first information corresponding to atleast one of the product and a source of the product; and the packagingsubstantially enclosing the product; and a computer-readable mediumcoupled to the packaging by the label.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 ,wherein the first information is printed on the label.
 13. The apparatusof claim 12 , wherein the first information is contained in a selectionof color on the label.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the labelis shaped to provide the first information through a shape.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 11 , wherein the computer-readable medium containssecond information comprising at least one of product facts, sourcefacts, new product facts, service facts, a game, a data gatheringinterface, a test, a browser, a launcher, and a network identifiercorresponding to a location of additional information.
 16. The apparatusof claim 11 , wherein the label includes at least one of a hang tag anda hanging tag, substantially enclosing the computer-readable medium. 17.The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the computer-readable mediumincludes at least one of a printed medium, an electromagnetic medium, anoptical medium, and a firmware medium.
 18. An apparatus comprising: alabel configured to be affixed to a product, the product having anexterior; the label configured to be attached to a tether having a firstend and a second end; the first end configured to be coupled to thelabel; the second end configured to be coupled to the exterior of theproduct, such that the tether couples the label to the exterior of theproduct; the label configured to directly communicate first informationcorresponding to at least one of the product and a source of theproduct; and a computer-readable medium coupled to the label.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 18 , wherein the first information is printed on thelabel.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19 , wherein the first information iscontained in a selection of color on the label.
 21. The apparatus ofclaim 18 , wherein the label is shaped to provide the first informationthrough a shape.
 22. The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein thecomputer-readable medium contains second information comprising at leastone of product facts, source facts, new product facts, service facts, agame, a data gathering interface, a test, a browser, a launcher, and anetwork identifier corresponding to a location of additionalinformation.
 23. The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the product definesan opening into an interior of the product and at least part of thelabel is positioned in the interior of the product.
 24. A methodcomprising: configuring a label to directly communicate firstinformation corresponding to at least one of a product and a source ofthe product; coupling a computer-readable medium to the label; andcoupling the label to an exterior of the product.
 25. The method ofclaim 24 , wherein the product is packaged.
 26. The method of claim 24 ,wherein the label is coupled to the exterior of the product by aflexible member.